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Adding Insulation to your Attic

An under insulated attic can cost you in unnecessary heating and cooling costs. Fortunately, updating your attic insulation is an easy, do-it-yourself project, and Lowe’s can show you how it's done using quality Owens Corning® insulation products.

Installation Tips

Installation Instructions

When adding a second layer of insulation in the attic, unfaced should always be used so that moisture is not trapped inside the insulation.

Temporary flooring should be laid across the joists to provide some footing, and a temporary work
light should be installed.

Lay the insulation blanket at the outer edge of the attic space and work toward the center. This
allows for more headroom in the center of the space, where cutting and fitting can be done. It's
also a good idea not to get "insulated into a corner" where it will be hard to get back to
the attic access.

If the joist cavities are completely filled to the top of the joists, lay the new insulation in long
runs perpendicular to the direction of the joists, and use leftover pieces for small spaces. If the
cavity is not completely filled, use the appropriate thickness of insulation to fill it to the top,
then add an additional layer of insulation in a perpendicular direction.

The insulation should extend far enough to cover the tops of the exterior walls, but should not
block the flow of air from the soffit vents. To make sure the soffit vents aren't blocked,
install attic vents or baffles like Owens Corning raft-R-mate® Attic Rafter Vents, which assure
unrestricted airflow from the soffit into the attic.

Insulation should be kept 3" away from recessed lighting fixtures unless fixtures are marked "I.C."
(Insulated Ceiling) — designed for direct insulation contact. If insulation is placed over an
unrated fixture, it may cause the fixture to overheat and perhaps start a fire. The insulation
should always be installed at least 3" away from any metal chimneys, gas water heater flues or other
heat–producing devices.

Fill the spaces between a masonry chimney and wood framing with a noncombustible material, such as
unfaced EcoTouch® insulation, which will not burn.

NOTE: Do not leave faced insulation exposed. The facings on kraft-faced insulation will burn and must be installed in substantial contact with an approved interior finish as soon as the insulation has been installed. Facing must be installed in substantial contact with an approved ceiling, floor or wall material. Keep open flame and other heat sources away from facing. See package for warnings, fire hazard and instructions, or call 1-800-GET-PINK®. Check your local building codes for requirements in your area.

Basic Tools

Tape measure

Utility knife

Straightedge or 2 x 4 (for cutting insulation)

Lightweight, squeeze-type stapler

Protective Gear

Work gloves

Loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirt

OSHA-approved safety glasses

Disposable dust mask

Special Equipment

Portable work light

Boards or sheets of plywood (provide a safe place to sit or kneel in an unfinished attic and a surface on which to cut the insulation)